Ontario Construction News staff writer
Infrastructure Canada and Community Foundations of Canada recently launched a new round of funding from the Canada Healthy Communities Initiative and also launched a second round of funding.
Applications for the second round of funding can be submitted until June 25.
“I’m excited to announce federal funding for community-driven projects across the country, like the Canadian Parks and Wilderness Society project to build a 30 km trail linking Grande Chute to the Ottawa River that residents can hike and enjoy,” said Catherine McKenna, minister of infrastructure and communities.
“Today we’re launching a second intake and we’re inviting organizations to submit innovative community-based projects that will help adapt during COVID-19 and into the future — from outdoor art installations to pop-up farmers markets. The Canada Healthy Communities Initiative is supporting local projects across the country that that create jobs and build more inclusive communities.”
More than 250 projects received federal funding in the first round including Canadian Parks and Wilderness Society with $24,000 to help build a 30-kilometre trail linking Grande Chute on the Dumoine River to the Ottawa River. Also, the Hope Blooms project will create a playground and accessible seating area in Murray Warrington Park with the $40,000 it gets from the initiative.
The Canada Healthy Communities Initiative is a $31-million investment to build safer spaces and ensure a higher quality of life for people across the country, by helping communities adapt to the challenges presented by COVID-19.
Applicants in the second round can apply for funding ranging from $5,000 to $250,000 for eligible projects.
Local governments and a variety of community-led organizations are eligible to apply, including charities, Indigenous communities, and registered non-profit organizations. Organizations interested in submitting an application are encouraged to visit healthycommunitiesinitiative.ca to learn more about the program, eligibility criteria and how to apply. Organizations can also register to attend information sessions on the program.
“The staggering number of applications received during the first in-take of the Canada Healthy Communities Initiative demonstrates how excited local communities are to bring joy back to our streets in safe and creative ways,” said Halifax MP Andy Fillmore. With the application period for the second round now open, I encourage community leaders from across municipalities, local governments, grassroots organizations, Indigenous communities, and the not-for-profit sector to submit their innovative projects that keep residents safe and build prosperous, vibrant, and pandemic-resilient communities.”
The Canada Healthy Communities Initiative was created to help communities adapt to the COVID-19 pandemic and create safe ways for residents to access services and enjoy the outdoors. The Initiative is designed to fund eligible projects that fall under three main themes: creating safe and vibrant public spaces, improving mobility options, and digital solutions.
“The Canada Healthy Communities Initiative is broadening our understanding of what infrastructure truly is and can be: better and more equitable ways for people to connect, problem-solve, and create community-led places for everyone,” said Mary W. Rowe, president and CEO, Canadian Urban Institute.
“The incredible response to the program from across Canada demonstrates how willing Canadians are to partner and work together for the benefit of their communities. Round Two presents another opportunity for organizations to submit projects that will help communities emerge from the pandemic more resilient, more accessible and more vibrant.